The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to be seriously prioritizing offensive playmakers during the 2025 offseason when General Manager Omar Khan acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, it was just a couple of months later that the idea of a dynamic one-two punch featuring the newcomer and George Pickens was only a dream. The decision was made to trade the wideout to the Dallas Cowboys and trust Calvin Austin III with the second spot on the depth chart. Now, entering a Week 5 bye, it appears as if Austin could miss some time with a shoulder injury.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5902-544x306.jpg "Steelers - Calvin Austin")
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The Steelers were criticized for not bringing in another formidable option at wideout prior to the season beginning, but Austin has had his moments. If he does miss a game or two, Roman Wilson may finally get an opportunity to showcase his abilities. The second-year player has been rather disappointing, as he hasn’t really displayed a lot of positive on-field work since being drafted.
After Austin’s injury in Week 4, both Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller got more chances to get involved with the offense than Wilson. It will be interesting to see if that changes if and when Austin is inactive. Veteran team reporter Mark Kaboly joined The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller on Friday to talk about the mystery that is Wilson, and he believes that Wilson could be in line for a bigger workload if he gets the repetitions in at practice after the bye week.
“I think a lot of it will have to do with having a full week of practice for a guy who has really only had a handful of snaps throughout his career,” Kaboly said. “That’s why [the Steelers] probably felt more comfortable with Scotty Miller, [Ben] Skowronek going in at that time [against the Vikings] than going with Roman Wilson. But, if Wilson has… If he has a full weeks of work, I would imagine he would be that wide receiver two (WR2) [in Week 6].”
Fans would be excited to see Wilson’s role expanded, but it could get interesting if he gets an opportunity and performs poorly. While Austin’s injury isn’t considered to be long-term, the Steelers may still see it as necessary to go out and acquire a pass-catcher before the deadline. Kaboly had one playmaker come to mind, and that was New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave.
“If [Wilson] is that wide receiver two (WR2), he better make some plays because if not, then you’re going to hit that trade deadline where you might have to go [acquire someone],” Kaboly stated. “You have to go calling to New Orleans to see if [Chris] Olave is around. I think you have to make that move.”
The prospect of trading for Olave is an attractive one, but also comes with risk. He has had concussion and injury issues throughout his professional career. When he is healthy, however, he is a great option, and definitely one that would complement Metcalf perfectly.
Gus Stark / Getty ImagesSaints wide receiver Chris Olave celebrates after finding the end zone during a professional football game being held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA.A trio of Metcalf, Olave and Austin would keep opposing defenses up at night when a contest against Pittsburgh was coming up. It seems as if Wilson will get a chance to make his mark, but Khan may not hesitate to make a move if the second-year wideout proves that he can’t be trusted in the big moment. Time will tell, but Olave certainly would be a fun player to have in the Steel City.
Steelers Have The Draft Capital To Acquire A Wide Receiver
Pittsburgh’s projected 2026 compensatory picks are all over the place currently because of some recent happenings with players like Russell Wilson, but there are enough selections at Khan’s disposal to go make a move if it is necessary. If the team continues to win games, but the offense has some trouble during Austin’s potential absence, it would be a phenomenal idea to bring in another proven difference-maker for the group as a whole.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (#19) makes a tough catch while going through drills during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.Do you think that the Steelers should inquire about Olave if Wilson performs poorly in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments below!
